Ellis was elected the member for Coogee at a by-election in 1948, winning the seat for the Liberal Party, following the death of Labor MLA, Lou Cunningham.[2] He lost the seat at the 1953 election, regaining it in 1956. He lost it again in 1962, before becoming re-elected in 1965, and serving until his retirement in 1973. During his final term served as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.[3]